“He has developed an unconventional approach to communication but I am a great believer in paying on results,” he added.

“I think some of the appointments he has made in his administration are very good.

“He has talked sense on a lot of things, on other issues I haven’t agreed.”

The fact the US appeared to be honouring a refugee swap deal with Australia - albeit with “gritted teeth” - demonstrated the importance of the long standing alliance between the two nations.

President rails against critics and tells reporters to sit down in bizarre conference

The West Australian

VideoPresident rails against critics and tells reporters to sit down in bizarre conference

Mr Howard also said he remained a strong supporter of the right for Israel to exist as an independent country.

This week Mr Trump retreated from America’s long-running support for the establishment of separate states for Israel and Palestinians after he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington DC on Wednesday.